101 children had a brighter Christmas because of Junior Auxiliary of Taney County’s Christmas Assistance Project. Children were ages 6 month to 5 years and all are enrolled in programs through OACAC Head Start, Early Head Start and Home-Based programs.

JATC Elves went shopping to fill the gift bags, and when they were finished each child received a hooded coat, gloves, an outfit, a book, and a toy. Bobbie Wydeen, Chair of the Christmas Assistance Project, said: “Parents were greatly appreciative and pleasantly surprised.”

JATC could not have provided all these gifts for the children without the help of Branson-Hollister Lions Club who provided monetary assistance and Branson Christian Church, Branson Landing, and Ozarks Family Vision Centre who all held toy drives for the project.

The smiles on the faces of Dylan Correa and his mom Daysy Pizarro are just one example of the happiness JATC was able to provide to these 101 children at this special time of the year. That’s what Junior Auxiliary is all about.

Our motto: Caring Hearts—Helping Hands—Changing Lives.

If you think you might be interested in joining JATC, there will be three informational Membership meetings for new members 2024-2025 year. Meetings are:

Saturday, February 3, at 11 am.; Wednesday, March 21 at 6 pm.; and Tuesday, April 16 at 6 pm.

Contact Paula Gillispie, Membership Chair by email at jatcmo@gmail.com for more information.

Published by: Branson Globe, Thursday, January 18, 2024; Branson Tri-Lakes News, Wednesday, January 24, 2024